Module CHEM3161: CHEMISTRY BSC DISSERTATION

Department: Chemistry

CHEM3161: CHEMISTRY BSC DISSERTATION

Prerequisites

• Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012).

Corequisites

• Core Chemistry 3 (CHEM3012) OR Bioactive Chemistry 3 (CHEM3211) or Chemical Physics 3 (CHEM3411)

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To provide a research-led capstone module in Chemistry, where BSc students in their final year can demonstrate the development of their own research and independent study skills, and expertise in chemistry through a literature survey.
• To provide students with an opportunity to collect, read and analyse data from primary sources
• To enable students to develop the transferable skills of critical analysis, advanced literacy and presentation

Content

• Dissertation on a individual title chosen by, or allocated to, the student in week 26 of Year 2 from a list of titles offers by a member of the Board of Studies in Chemistry.
• Progress is monitored by the Dissertation Supervisor through a series of tutorials in Level 3
• Oral Presentation

Learning Outcomes

• describe and critically analyse the topic of their dissertation at an advanced level

• produce a scholarly and critical review of the relevant literature
• show relevance and depth in their study of a topic
• produce a critical summary of their review

• enhanced skills in chemical information retrieval, scientific writing, editing and proof-reading, oral presentation and discussion of scientific results;
• self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• At the end of level 2 students will be given guidance in literature survey methods, writing long documents and drawing chemical structures. They will meet with their dissertation supervisor to establish the bounds of the topic, and will provide a dissertation outline before the end of year 2.
• During year 3 students will meet with their dissertation supervisor, as needed, to discuss the student's progress.
• A draft chapter must be submitted during Michaelmas term
• Training will be given at the end of level 2 in oral presentation skills.
• Assessment is by the written dissertation and a 15 minute oral presentation

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative feedback on a two page outline of the dissertation consisting of section headings in week 28 of Year 2 Further feedback on a draft of a chapter in Michaelmas Term of Year 3. Formative feedback on the oral presentation will be given.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University